Interiors: Tips to make the Christmas season less stressful

Rosemary Sadez Friedmann

Tuesday

Nov 29, 2011 at 12:01 AMNov 29, 2011 at 7:28 PM

Thanksgiving has come and gone, so now the Christmas rush has truly begun. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the amount of work to be done in such a short time. Let's see if we can figure out a way to make this season a little less stressful and a little more fun.

Thanksgiving has come and gone, so now the Christmas rush has truly begun. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the amount of work to be done in such a short time.

The list seems endless: decorating and gift purchases, then wrapping and Christmas cards to be written. Let's see if we can figure out a way to make this season a little less stressful and a little more fun.

Planning the Christmas decorations for your home in advance is a great idea. Sure, most of us already have a ton of decorations in storage that will need to be hauled out and put up, but face it: There is always something out there in stores that catches our attention and says "you gotta have it." If you do your "gotta have it" shopping in advance, you've saved yourself some time.

Have you made your Christmas list? I don't mean the list of items you want, but the list of gifts you intend to purchase and give. It is wise to start with a list of the names of all the people you will be buying for. Then write next to each name what you intend to buy for that person.

Making lists will get you organized and help accomplish what you need to do. Plus, it's fun to cross off the names and items as you complete the purchases. The list also helps you save time so that you shouldn't have to go back and forth to the same store or the same mall because you forgot someone. If possible, take a day off from work so you can get a jump on your decorating and gift purchases.

Help your neighbors. Let those who will be buying for you know well in advance what you want. It's hard to shop for someone when you have no idea what is wanted or needed. You can eliminate that angst if you let people know your wishes.

Set aside a few hours to writing out those Christmas cards. Once they are written and mailed, a burden is lifted immediately. Send pictures of any new decorations in your house along with family members standing or sitting in the decorated area. You then will have accomplished two things: an update on your new decor and a current picture of the family.

The rush is on. Good luck.

Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, an interior designer in Naples, Fla., is author of "Mystery of Color." For design inquiries, write to Rosemary at DsgnQuest@aol.com.

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